Canada’s first union agreement for visual artists

Artists across Canada have voted in record numbers to ratify Canada’s first scale agreement for visual artists at the National Gallery of Canada.

Major gains have been advanced for artists through this agreement, which sets out mandatory minimum fees and working conditions offered to artists by the National Gallery. Artists remain free to negotiate above these minimums, but they can never be offered less. This agreement has similarities to the MU agreement signed in Sweden.

The agreement includes significant increases in fees paid for temporary exhibitions (for example, $8,250 for a solo exhibition, and $16,500 to represent Canada at the Venice Biennale), and the gallery is now paying CARFAC’s recommended rates for image reproductions, with some exceptions. Additionally, artists will be compensated for professional services offered to the gallery, including preparation and installation of an exhibition, and providing lectures and public presentations.

The agreement will be in place for three years and includes a 1.5% annual increase.